It’s amazing what (sun)light can do for you. We’re talking the magical Vitamin D, said to boost happiness levels, build stronger bones and lower blood pressure. Sunlight can also heal the skin… and generously leave it with little brown gifts called pigmentation. Then there’s the other kind of light called IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), which can also generously lighten the damage dealt. That’s our ZapZapTM for you.

ZapZapTM — An IPL Fairy Tale for the Skin?

The latest introduction to the family of existing treatments, the ZapZapTM series is a suite of IPL treatments targeted at pigmentations, wrinkled/lined skin, acne and acne marks.

IPL isn’t really new to us, but we’d recently given our equipment an overhaul and exchanged our existing Korean technology for the latest, most premium of non-medical grade Spanish Variable Pulse IPL machines that aestheticians are legally licensed to operate. Also, while most other IPL treatments only use blue or green light, our ZapZapTM equipment pairs blue with red light for accelerated recovery.

In other words:

– Better, faster results with even less to no downtime
– It’s good for more than just pigmentations — it’s also great for softening fine lines, heal acne and its marks, balancing excess sebum and brightening the skin
– Suitable for all skin types
– Doesn’t cause dryness to the skin — we promise

We don’t believe in shortcuts, but this is as close as it gets.

Good Things Come in Threes: ZitZapTM, ZapBrightTM and ZapGlowTM

Meet ZitZap™ — the new best friend that makes our signature QuintessentialTM extraction facial so much better. Designed to — well — zap zits, marks and bacteria away, remarkably enhancing skin’s healing after it’s been uncongested (did I just make that up?) to death.

Imagine this: Results so stark yet subtle, a phone camera can’t capture it… but your friends will definitely notice the lines that did a mysterious disappearing act! Designed to reduce fine lines, firm and brighten the skin, ZapGlow™ is an IPL treatment that’s perfect for anti-ageing concerns.

With Good Things Come Bad Things Like Nagging

We love the fast results ZapZapTM brings us and our clients, but as with all things, prevention is better than cure. While some skin problems are truly hereditary (and there’s nothing we can do about genes), we can mitigate/prevent them with these quick skincare tips:

Everyone talks about the pregnancy glow. Less talked about are the nasties: Zits like back when you were in high school. Dry, flaky skin even when you don’t usually have dry, flaky skin. Days out on the beach are days long gone because — is that another dark mark on your face? We ask you to calm down though — these are all perfectly normal pregnancy skincare skintuations that many women like you face… and there are remedies.

Credit: Josh Bean

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #1: ACNE(WHEN I WAS 13, I HAD MY FIRST LOVE ZIT)

Being a teenager was nothing without bouts of breakouts… but when you’re 30 and pregnant? You might almost wish you weren’t having a baby bump. Pregnancy hormones can send your oil glands into overdrive, creating a breeding ground for acne. Worse, androgen (a male sex hormone) increases during pregnancy, further increasing sebum production, clogging, blackheads and finally, pimples.

The cruellest joke ever? The acne products you used to use are unsafe while you’re pregnant because of the chemicals. Minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline and Accutane, are definitely no-gos as they can cause birth defects. Then, it’s best to stay away from ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid too, since these can enter the bloodstream. Most products are not actually pregnancy-tested…

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Your skin will most likely clear up after pregnancy. In the meantime, here are some quick tips.

Skin Hacks: DON’T SQUEEZE. DON’T PICK. DON’T TOUCH. Opt for ingredients like lactic acid, tea tree oil or sulfur. See a doctor if you’re really sick of the acne that seems persistent and widespread. Instead, cleanse face with a mild, hydrating cleanser. If necessary, use steam to clear clogged pores. Look for non-comedogenic / water-based skincare products as these don’t aggravate oily, acneic skin. Also, contrary to popular belief, you CAN go for facials while pregnant — watch out for the next NannyPrincess Pregnancy Diaries post on this!

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #2: DRY SKIN

Damned hormones. Where you once had smooth, glowing skin, you’re now left with a dryness that doesn’t seem to stop itching.

Why?

It’s really many factors that play a part: More moisture is channelled to care for your baby, thus leaving you high and dry. With the little one inside you, your body temperature also tends to rise, thus literally getting you more hot-headed, stressed and itchy, thus triggering dry skin.

Credit: Juliana Arruda

And the biggest contender (again): hormones. Oddly, those can’t seem to make up their mind between producing too much or too little sebum. Too little oil? You’re facing dryness and decreased elasticity. Too much? What else to do but to keep washing your face, right? Wrong. Washing your face too frequently can actually dehydrate the skin even more.

Skin Hacks: Water — lots of it. Aim for 12 cups a day. Hydrating lotions for milder cases; prescription treatments for severe ones. Warm (not hot!), comforting showers (and oatmeal baths, we hear) work wonders to calm your spirits and skin but don’t spend too long in there or your natural oils will start depleting. Get a humidifier for the bedroom. And our final, favourite trick: Get a high-grade, ultra-hydrating serum loaded with hyaluronic acid to quench your skin’s thirst.

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #3: INCREASED SENSITIVITY(YOUR SKIN IS BEING A BIGGER BABY THAN THE ACTUAL BABY)

As if acne and dry skin weren’t painful enough, your skin might be literally… in pain. The usual facials you go for might verge on painful, your face seems to get red more easily when you’re exfoliating, and your favourite scented lotion is now sitting on its lonesome on your dresser. Your skin is being a total baby.

Why?

… You guessed it. Hormones.

Skin Hacks: Gentle is the name of the game. Swap out scrubs (both for the face and body) for a loofah or a soft, textured washcloth. Switching to unscented / natural lotions and body washes could also help. Apply calamine lotion on itchy spots. Shun products that are heavy with additives, dyes, and / or fragrances, all of which can exacerbate the situation. When in doubt, always check in with your dermatologist, pharmacist or doctor.

“You certainly don’t want anything causing micro-tears on your skin… the more cuts and wounds on your skin, the easier it is for chemicals to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Ingredients to stay away from in soaps and body washes include triclosan, parabens and fragrance.”

| Melissa Schweiger, coauthor of Belli Beautiful: The Essential Guide to the Safest Health and Beauty Products for Pregnancy, Mom, and Baby

Aside from causing hormones to go a little (a lot?) out of whack, pregnancy also increases melanin production. Melanin is responsible for darkening of the skin, and you might be victim to dark patches.

The sun you used to love? That love might be long gone at this point. But it won’t be for ever… the melasma (another name for this pigmentation conundrum) usually fades after pregnancy.

Skin Hacks: If you weren’t religious about sunscreen before, it’s time to start now. An SPF of at least 25 to 30 would do half the trick; the other half would be for you to stay indoors as much as possible to reduce sun exposure. Physical and mineral sunblocks are your safest bets, as chemical sunscreens can irritate your sensitive skin + have potential risks. In more specific words, opt for protection that comes with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #5: STRETCH MARKS(YOU TIGRESS WHO BROUGHT LIFE TO THIS WORLD)

Credit: Chayene Rafaela

A good 50 – 90% of women get these in pregnancy. It isn’t curious—anytime a body grows at a rate at which the body can’t keep up with, these tiger stripes appear. These tend to come fastest in the final trimester when your baby grows the most.

“For most people, whether or not they get stretch marks has to do with genetic predisposition.”

| Glenn Kolansky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist

While there isn’t much you can do to prevent it, there are ways to reduce the risks of developing them (too much), including controlling your weight. Staying hydrated (at least 12 cups of water a day), and eating a healthy and balanced diet (think antioxidants, vitamins, leafies, fatty acids).

Skin Hacks: Thoroughly moisturize, especially areas which are most prone to these marks. These include your belly, boobs, stomach, hips and thighs.

Celebrities are capable of making everything look glamorous: even an exit from the airport arrival hall turns into a fashion runway for them. Their style is described as “comfy chic” no matter how messy their hair and clothing look, and their skin always gives the impression that a personal facial therapist was sitting beside them the whole way on a long flight.

Credits to: Vogue

It is then we begin to wonder: Is it really impossible for us to look equally amazing?

Fortunately, the answer is no! Just follow through with these 5 simple steps below to come out looking like a star yourself.

Begin with a Bare Face

There is nothing more important than starting the flight with bare, cleansed skin; thus packing a travel sized makeup cleanser will be vital.

Porcelain’s Revive, Makeup Cleanser (available in 30ml) is oil-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free and works as a pre-cleanser too. It boasts a wonderful blend of Orchid Extracts that loosen impurities while providing deep hydration.

After all, the low humidity in the cabin can both dry out skin and cause oily skin to product more oil, both potentially leading to wrinkle formation and an acne break out.

Refresh Your Skin

Always double cleanse thereafter as grime can collect before even the plane takes off. This extra step also helps remove residual dirt and can refresh and awaken the skin.

Porcelain’s Soothe, Hydro Cleanser (available in 30ml) is a great cleanser option as it is made up of 80% pure aloe vera, 6 natural ingredients and is free from sulfates and parabens. Allow it to hydrate your skin as you cleanse, ensuring a clear glowing complexion after.

Enjoy a Boost of Hydration

Though it might seem tempting to kick back with a coffee or apple juice, such beverages are diuretic and can cause your skin to turn drier. Stick to drinking cups of water instead, which can leave you moisturized from inside to out.

An additional boost of hydration can be gained by putting on a soothing mask. Be sure to use Porcelain’s Revive, Glycolic Toner beforehand to gently clarify your skin and prep it for the goodness of the following masking treatment.

Porcelain’s Hydrocare Bio Cellulose Mask is a heaven sent solution to weary travelers with fatigued skin. Made of an extremely form-fitting bio-cellulose material, the mask adheres tightly to your skin, ensuring maximum absorption of its powerful active ingredients that pump moisture into the skin and purify it with natural enzymes.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

To seal the goodness of the mask in, be sure to pat in moisturizer while the skin is still damp.

The Aloe Recovery Gel’s restorative and anti-inflammatory powers help keep infection at bay and builds skin’s resilience. It works hand in hand with the Botanical Soothing Gel to calm dry, irritated and eczema-prone skin. The Hydraclear Gel tackles acne, bacteria and excess serum so skin will remain spot-free even after being cooped up for many hours.

Sun Protection is a Must

Did you know? The degree of sun exposure on board a plane is exponentially higher as you get tens of thousands of feet closer to the sun and its damaging rays. Frequent fliers – especially fans of the window seat – are facing a much higher risk of developing skin cancer. Thus, it is highly recommended to have sunscreen at the ready whenever you’re in the air.

Porcelain’s Flawless, Skin Perfecting Moisturizer with SPF 20 is a power packed two-in-one sunscreen that hydrates as it protects. Its oil-free and paraben-free active ingredients also keep skin supple and soothed. It comes with sheer coverage in two shades, so it’s a great way to arrive at the airport looking healthy and fresh.

Now, Porcelain is offering you your chance to step off the plane looking like a star!

Head over to Facebook to find out how to win 2 of Porcelain’s Skin Perfecting Moisturizers for you and your best friend!

After hearing about our favourite products (Check out our #PorcelainMustHaves here), we’re back with part 2 – Our Favourite Treatments. Our team had a really hard time picking out our favourites, as we love all our facials!

“I have a low threshold for pain and that’s why OxyRevive Plus is a great alternative to extractions for me. It leaves my skin super supple and bright, and it’s topped off with a relaxing shiatsu facial massage which is spot on.” – Jacqueline Nonis, Assistant Manager

“I love the brightening effects and my face feels much smoother after the end of the facial. Just a tip, do it together with RevitalEye Luxx which will help to reduce puffiness and dark circles!” – Julyha, Porcelain’s Client Relations Executive

“Cryo is my favourite facial! It tightens my pores and I feel like Snow White after that. Haha! I feel that this is more effective for my skin, as my skin is rather sensitive. The cooling therapy helps to calm my skin, and it’s very comfortable!” – Michelle, Porcelain’s Beauty Therapist

“Best extraction facial ever. It’s no wonder that it is so highly raved. Post treatment, I usually apply lots of soothing gel and aloe gel to speed up the recovery process, and the results are amazing! It achieves the translucent, porcelain skin I have always wanted.” – Xin Na, Porcelain’s Business Development Executive

“The Quintessential Facial really changed my skin after just one treatment! The therapists are very skilled and thorough in their extractions, and I see vast improvements in my skin condition after.” – Calista, Porcelain’s Digital Marketing Intern

“My skin feels smoother, cleaner and brighter after treatment. After following up regularly, I can confidently leave my house foundation-free!” – Isabelle, Porcelain’s Beauty Therapist

“The difference right after Illuminate treatment totally wowed me! Prior to the treatment my skin was dull and lifeless. The OxyPulse massage during the facial was very relaxing and the pampering shoulder massage at the end was a nice touch. After the treatment I was awed by the instant afterglow on my skin.” – Jasmine, Porcelain’s Marketing Manager

“This is tough… I love all Porcelain treatments!! They complement each other well, and with a treatment plan catered to my skin concerns, my skin improved tremendously. My fav would be Illuminate facial as my face glows with radiance after EVERY treatment without fail! It stands out from other microdermabrasion facials as every step of the entire facial is well thought out – For example, after the diamond exfoliation, the wine peel helps to renew our skin cells. This is followed by the draining of toxins with the OxyPulse massage and ends off with lots of hydration for the skin with our custom blended mask. It’s the PERFECT relaxing facial and the BEST substitute for customers who aren’t looking at extraction facials.” – Julynn, Porcelain’s Operation Manager

“Illuminate is my favourite treatment because there’s nothing better than a promise living up to its name, literally. A go-to treatment whenever I need a pick me up, or simply to look 100 times better. It doesn’t hurt that the glow lasts for ages!” – Samantha, Porcelain’s Marketing Executive

“It’s so hard to choose my favourite facial! It’s like asking me to choose my favourite child. But if I really had to pick, I’ll choose Proionic. It has anti-aging benefits and it is the perfect facial for busy and tired people like me!”– Pauline Ng, Porcelain’s Managing Director

“It’s really comfortable because it’s a warm treatment and I love how it massages my face, eyes, neck. Plus, it is really good for lifting & firming effects. The age-reversing technology is simply phenomenal!” – Aretha Ling, Senior Client Relations

“Proionic! I look younger after treatment, and the lifting and firming helps me get the V-shape contour.” – Tracie, Porcelain’s Beauty Therapist

If you have followed us on our social media recently, you would have heard us rave about our Sun Rescue facial. (P.S.: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram if you haven’t!) There is just so much to love about this facial, especially when it’s so blazing hot right now!

Credits: Chris Osmond

This treatment entails a three-pronged approach to Calm, Repair and Hydrate your skin. The skin undergoes vasoconstriction and vasodilation, which stimulates microcirculation and cell regeneration.

Sun Rescue is a saviour — and not just for sun damaged skin

As the name suggests, the Sun Rescue targets sun-damaged skin. And that’s not all. This treatment absolutely does wonders for hypersensitive and dry skinned individuals. It soothes irritated skin and provides anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. The best part? It’s suited for all skin types.

Next, experience a chilling yet soothing sensation with our freeze therapy. The CryoProbe cools the skin down to -10 degrees. This helps firm, tone and restore radiance to your skin. The combination of CryoProbe and electrophoresis with aloe vera gel helps with blood circulation and cellular oxygenation. Furthermore, it enhances the penetration of the aloe vera gel up to 99% (Read about the reparative benefits our aloe gel brings here). In turn, this speeds up the skin’s healing process and builds its immunity.

The OxySpray infuses custom-blended serums and oxygen to hydrate and nourish the skin. After analysing your skin’s needs, your therapist will prepare a ginseng tonic, witch hazel or rosewater mix – depending on which best suits your skin. The mist feels light and refreshing and delivers incredible hydration and reparative effects. After the oxygen therapy, a custom-blended mask is applied on and left to rest on your skin.

To top off your treatment, the therapist performs a relaxing massage. The facial ends with moisture gel protectant and sunscreen to retain the facial’s benefits. All our products are non-comedogenic (they don’t clog pores!).

The end result

Experience instantly radiant skin, refined pores and a rejuvenated visage. Read what Nylon Singapore and Mefitted have to say about this facial!